An Ipswich woman has been reunited with a hand-made nativity scene she created 15 years ago.

Mary Herbert has always enjoyed a variety of craft activities and one year created a 3D nativity scene using cross stitch.

For years it brought enjoyment and entertainment to children at a primary school where her daughter-in-law Alison has been teaching.

During its time spent at the school it has been enjoyed by hundreds of pupils – from the little sheep to the angel on top of the stable.

But now Alison has retired and Ms Herbert has been reunited with the scene she created a decade and a half ago. Ms Herbert is now 87-years-old and lives at a sheltered housing scheme in Morecambe Court, Roundwood Road, Ipswich.

Although her sight means she can no longer create pieces like the nativity scene she still gets enjoyment from seeing her past projects. Speaking after being reunited with the intricate nativity scene for the first time since she created it, Ms Herbert said: “I am amazed about what I was able to do.

“I saw a picture of it and had to send to America for the pattern book.

“I wouldn’t be able to do that now.

“I don’t remember how long it took to make.

“It would have taken quite a while.”